Savannah Guthrie has become a household name in American journalism, known for her role as a co-anchor on NBC’s “Today” show. Her journey from a local reporter to a prominent figure in national media is a testament to her dedication, versatility, and professionalism.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 27, 1971, in Melbourne, Australia, Savannah Clark Guthrie was named after her great-great-grandmother. At the age of two, her family relocated to Tucson, Arizona, where she spent her formative years. Tragedy struck when she was 16, with the passing of her father. This pivotal event influenced her resilience and determination.
Guthrie pursued higher education at the University of Arizona, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in 1993. Her passion for law led her to Georgetown University Law Center, where she graduated magna cum laude in 2002. Notably, she achieved the highest score on the Arizona bar exam that year.
Professional Beginnings
Guthrie’s journalism career commenced at KMIZ, an ABC affiliate in Columbia, Missouri. She later returned to Tucson, working with NBC affiliate KVOA. Her reporting prowess soon took her to WRC-TV in Washington, D.C., where she covered significant events, including the September 11 attacks and the subsequent anthrax mailings.
Balancing her journalism career, Guthrie practiced law with Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld from 2002 to 2003, specializing in white-collar criminal defense. Her legal expertise seamlessly integrated into her journalism path when she joined Court TV in 2004 as a national trial correspondent, covering high-profile cases like the Michael Jackson trial.
Rise at NBC News
In 2007, Guthrie’s career took a significant leap as she joined NBC News as a correspondent. Her legal background proved invaluable during her tenure as NBC’s White House correspondent from 2008 to 2011, where she provided insightful analysis on political and legal matters.
Her versatility shone through when she co-anchored the MSNBC program “The Daily Rundown” and served as a substitute anchor on “NBC Nightly News.” These roles showcased her ability to handle diverse topics with depth and clarity.
Ascension to “Today” Show Co-Anchor
Guthrie’s association with the “Today” show began in 2011 as a co-host of the third hour and chief legal analyst. Her rapport with viewers and journalistic integrity led to her promotion as co-anchor in July 2012, succeeding Ann Curry. In this role, she has conducted interviews with a wide array of personalities, from political figures to celebrities, demonstrating her adeptness in handling both hard-hitting news and lighter segments.
Personal Life
Beyond the newsroom, Guthrie’s personal life reflects her multifaceted personality. She married Michael Feldman, a political and communications consultant, in 2014. The couple has two children, a daughter named Vale and a son named Charles. Guthrie often shares glimpses of her family life, highlighting the balance she maintains between her demanding career and motherhood.
Notable Achievements and Challenges
Throughout her career, Guthrie has faced and overcome various challenges. In 2019, she underwent eye surgery due to a retinal tear, a testament to her resilience and commitment to her profession. Her return to the “Today” show post-surgery was met with widespread admiration from colleagues and viewers alike.
Savannah Guthrie’s Impact in Numbers
Aspect Details
Date of Birth December 27, 1971
Education University of Arizona (B.A. in Journalism), Georgetown University Law Center (Juris Doctor)
NBC News Tenure Since 2007
“Today” Show Co-Anchor Since July 2012
Children Two (Vale and Charles)
Legal Career Practiced law from 2002 to 2003
